FIA lifts ban on TV crews in pit lanes

MARCA.com can reveal that the FIA has sent a statement to the television channels covering the Formula 1 World Championship stating that they will be allowed to station one reporter and one camera in the pit lanes during each free practice session.

This signals an end to the outright ban that was instated following the accident suffered by FOM cameraman Paul Allen, who was struck by a loose wheel from the vehicle of Mark Webber at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring three weeks ago.

The blanket ban on anyone other than marshals and team personnel is believed to have provoked widespread protests from several channels, who pointed to the provision in their contracts giving them the right to be present during practice sessions. The FIA, it appears, has bowed to the pressure.

It is worth remembering, in any case, that the accident in Germany happened during the actual race, when only staff from F1's official broadcaster (the FOM) is permitted in the pits. The TV channels, which pay millions of euros for their coverage rights, had expressed their dismay at having been forced to take the flak for a mistake made by Red Bull.